The red swivel chairs of The Voice are more than just seats—they’re thrones of musical destiny, where superstars shape the dreams of aspiring artists. On November 24, 2025, as Season 28 barreled toward its Playoff rounds, NBC dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the show’s fandom: the coaching lineup for Season 29, set to premiere in February 2026, will feature a dramatic overhaul. Titled The Voice: Battle of Champions, this spring edition promises a revamped format and a panel stacked with three returning legends—Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend—while bidding farewell to four current coaches: Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, and Niall Horan. With only three coaches instead of the traditional four, and a guest appearance by Season 1 OG CeeLo Green, Season 29 is poised to be a high-stakes clash of titans. Why the shake-up? What does this mean for the show’s future? And how are fans reacting to the news? Buckle up—this is the story of The Voice’s bold new chapter, where nostalgia meets innovation, and the battle for the ultimate coaching crown begins.

Since its debut in 2011, The Voice has been a juggernaut of reality TV, launching careers like those of Cassadee Pope and Jordan Smith while cementing its place as a cultural touchstone. The show’s formula—Blind Auditions, Battles, Knockouts, Playoffs, and Live Shows—has thrived on the chemistry of its coaches, whose star power and mentorship guide contestants toward a $100,000 prize and a Universal Music Group deal. Season 28, currently airing with Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, and Niall Horan, has been a fan favorite, with its “Mic Drop” twist and mega mentors like Joe Walsh and Zac Brown adding fresh flair. But as the Playoffs loom on December 1 and 8, 2025, the announcement of Season 29’s lineup has stolen the spotlight, igniting debates across social media and raising questions about the show’s evolving identity.

The headline grabber? The Voice: Battle of Champions will feature only three coaches—a first in the show’s 28-season history. Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend, all veterans with championship pedigrees, will return to the red chairs, each bringing a legacy of wins and a competitive fire that promises to elevate the stakes. CeeLo Green, a Season 1 original, will join as a guest judge for the In-Season All-Star Competition, adding a nostalgic twist. Meanwhile, the departure of Bublé, McEntire, Snoop, and Horan—each a beloved figure in their own right—has left fans reeling, with reactions ranging from excitement over the returning trio to outrage over the missing fourth chair. Let’s break down the exits, the comebacks, and what this bold new format means for The Voice.

The Departures: A Fond Farewell to Four Favorites

Michael Bublé – LEAVING! The crooner, who joined in Season 26 (Fall 2024) and returned for Seasons 27 and 28, has been a revelation. His smooth charm, emotional mentorship, and knack for spotting soulful talent—like Season 26 winner Sofronio Vasquez—made him a fan favorite. Reflecting on his tenure, Bublé told NBC Insider, “My favorite part was when I had to let people go for the first time, I was upset about it. Until I realized that their lives had changed. Their socials have grown. I didn’t realize at the time because I had thought of this as an end-goal thing.” His departure for Season 29 stings, especially after his Season 28 team—Max Chambers, Rob Cole, Trinity, and Jazz McKenzie—showed championship potential. Fans on X lamented, “Bublé’s leaving? He’s been so good!” while others hoped for his return in future seasons.

Reba McEntire – LEAVING! The country queen, who debuted as a mega mentor in Season 23 and coached Seasons 24, 25, 26, and 28, brought heart and grit to the panel. Her victory with Asher HaVon in Season 25 cemented her as a powerhouse, and her Season 28 squad—Aaron Nichols, Aubrey Nicole, Peyton Kyle, and Ryan Mitchell—has kept her in the winner’s circle conversation. Reba’s emotional approach, as she told Taste of Country, focused on “putting the emotion in” to connect with audiences. Her exit, following a one-season hiatus in Season 27, feels like a loss of the show’s soul. “No Reba? That’s a crime,” one Reddit user posted, while another speculated she might return for Season 30.

Snoop Dogg – LEAVING! The rap icon, who joined in Season 26 and returned for Season 28, infused The Voice with charisma and streetwise wisdom. “I love music of all forms,” he told American Songwriter, emphasizing his role as a mentor to “today’s next big thing.” His Season 28 team—Ralph Edwards, Toni Lorene, Mindy Miller, and Yoshihanaa—has been a belter’s paradise, with Yoshihanaa’s Mic Drop moment earning Rose Parade buzz. Snoop’s camaraderie with Bublé, whom he called a “lost brother,” endeared him to viewers. His departure, after a brief Season 27 absence, sparked outcry. “Snoop brought so much vibe. Why is he out?” one X user tweeted.

Niall Horan – LEAVING! The One Direction alum, who coached Seasons 23, 24, and 28, won twice with Gina Miles and Huntley, proving his knack for nurturing raw talent. His Season 28 team—Aiden Ross, Ava Nat, DEK of Hearts, and Kirbi—blends heart and harmony, with Kirbi’s Knockout performance a standout. Horan’s struggle with rejecting artists, shared on Hot Ones, revealed his empathy: “I know what it’s like to be 16 and stood on the stage.” Fans were gutted by his exit. “Niall’s been amazing. He deserves to stay,” one commented on Instagram, while another begged, “Bring him back with Blake!”

The Returning Legends: A Trio of Titans

Adam Levine – RETURNING! The Maroon 5 frontman, an original coach from Seasons 1–16, returned for Season 27 and is back for Season 29, his 18th season overall. Levine’s competitive streak and candid mentorship style have made him a polarizing yet iconic figure. “I don’t see it as a competition,” he told People. “I think that’s really valuable for the people on the show that are needing that experience.” His return, after vowing never to come back post-Season 16, has sparked mixed reactions. “Adam’s back! Love his vibe,” one X user cheered, while another groaned, “He’s had enough chances.” Levine’s history of discovering stars like Javier Colon suggests he’ll be a force in the Battle of Champions.

Kelly Clarkson – RETURNING! The original American Idol champ, who coached Seasons 14–21, 23, and 27, is a Voice legend with four wins, including Brynn Cartelli and Chevel Shepherd. Her infectious energy, vocal expertise, and relatability make her a fan favorite. “Kelly’s the best coach—she gets it,” one Reddit user raved. Clarkson’s return for Season 29, her 10th season, promises emotional coaching moments and fierce competition. Her absence in Season 28 left a void, and fans are thrilled to see her reclaim her chair. “Kelly’s back, let’s go!” an Instagram comment read, echoing the excitement.

John Legend – RETURNING! The EGOT winner, who coached Seasons 16–22, 24, 25, and 27, returns for his 11th season. Legend’s soulful mentorship and knack for spotting versatile artists—like Maelyn Jarmon—have earned him respect. “I learn so much from being on this show,” he told NBC Insider. “To be around Artists that have that hunger is very renewing.” His Season 29 return, after skipping Season 28, has fans buzzing. “John’s class and talent are unmatched,” one X user posted. Legend’s strategic mind will be key in the new format.

CeeLo Green – GUEST JUDGE! The Season 1–3 coach and “Forget You” hitmaker returns as a guest judge for the In-Season All-Star Competition, judging sing-offs between artists from the coaches’ past teams. His quirky charisma and soulful roots will add spice to the Battle of Champions. “CeeLo’s back? This is gonna be wild,” a Reddit user predicted.

The Battle of Champions: A Game-Changing Format

Season 29, dubbed The Voice: Battle of Champions, isn’t just about the coaches—it’s a complete reinvention. The format shifts to a three-coach panel, with each bringing back two artists from their previous teams for Knockout sing-offs judged by CeeLo Green. The coach with the most sing-off wins secures at least two artists in the Finale, upping the strategic ante. A new Triple Turn Competition during Blind Auditions rewards the coach with the most three-chair turns with a Super Steal in the Battles. “No rookies. All MVPs,” NBC’s press release boasted, emphasizing the competitive edge of Levine, Clarkson, and Legend. The season kicks off February 3, 2026, airing Mondays at 9/8c on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

Fan Reactions: Excitement, Outrage, and Speculation

The announcement, shared via The Voice’s Instagram on July 22, 2025, sparked a firestorm. “ONLY THREE COACHES?? BATTLE OF THE CHAMPIONS??” one commenter raged, echoing confusion over the missing fourth chair. Fans of departing coaches were vocal: “What about the love of my life @michaelbuble 😍,” one pleaded, while another demanded, “WHOS THE 4TH PERSONN?!?!?!!! BLAKEYYYYY????” referencing Blake Shelton. The return of Levine, Clarkson, and Legend thrilled many—“Kelly, John, and Adam? ICONIC,” one X user gushed—but others questioned the three-coach setup. “Why not four? Feels incomplete,” a Reddit thread argued. Speculation about a surprise fourth coach persists, though NBC confirmed the trio is set.

The Bigger Picture: Why the Shake-Up?

The Voice’s decision to pivot for Season 29 reflects a need to keep the show fresh after 28 seasons. The Battle of Champions format, with its focus on veteran coaches and past artists, taps into nostalgia while raising the competitive bar. Levine, Clarkson, and Legend have collectively won seven seasons, making their showdown a marquee event. The three-coach panel may also be a cost-cutting move or a test for future seasons, as NBC navigates a crowded reality TV landscape. The return of CeeLo Green and the emphasis on past artists suggest a celebration of the show’s 15-year legacy, potentially setting the stage for a milestone Season 30.

What’s Next?

As Season 28 races toward its December 15–16, 2025, finale, with guest stars like Khalid and XG, the focus shifts to the Playoffs, where 16 artists vie for six finale spots. But the Season 29 announcement has already changed the conversation. Will Levine’s experience outmaneuver Clarkson’s passion? Can Legend’s strategy dominate the new format? And how will CeeLo’s guest role shake things up? The Battle of Champions promises drama, emotion, and vocal fireworks, with three of The Voice’s greatest coaches duking it out for supremacy. As fans mourn Bublé, McEntire, Snoop, and Horan, they’re also rallying behind the returning trio, ready for a season unlike any other. The red chairs are turning, the stage is set, and the battle is on. Who will be the ultimate champion? Only time—and America’s votes—will tell.